Pitt Head Wrestling Coach Of 34 Years Announces Retirement

Welcome to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh spread across the Oakland neighborhood(Photo Credit: KDKA)

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pitt head wrestling coach Rande Stottlemyer is retiring after 34 seasons, the university announced Monday.

Stottlemyer took over as head coach in 1979 and has one of the longest tenures in the history of the school’s athletics department.

“I would like to thank the University of Pittsburgh for the great opportunity they gave me as a young man, fresh out of college,” Stottlemyer said in a statement. “I have been blessed to have lived my passion for thirty-five years. I hope in that time I have been able to make a positive impact on a lot of young men’s lives. It has been an honor to be their coach and to promote the great sport of wrestling.”

In the last four seasons, Pitt has won three Eastern Wrestling League championships and tied for three tournament titles. Stottlemyer has won more titles than any other wrestling coach at the school.

Assistant coach of the past 10 years, Jason Peters, will take over as head coach. Matt Kocher will also continue as assistant coach.

“Our program will continue to move forward under the guidance of Jason Peters and Matt Kocher,” Stottlemyer said. “They have both been exemplary in their work ethic and commitment during their time at Pitt.”